Does a VPN slow down your internet?

A little. Your traffic takes a detour through the VPN server and is encrypted on the way, so a faraway server adds noticeable delay. With a nearby server, everyday browsing, calls and streaming usually feel the same.

Why a VPN can cost some speed

1. Distance. Your traffic goes to the VPN server first. A server far away adds delay.
2. Encryption. Encrypting and decrypting takes a little work. Modern phones and computers handle it easily.
3. Server load. A busy server shares its capacity among more people.

How much slower?

It depends on your connection and the server you choose. With a nearby server, everyday browsing, video calls and streaming usually feel the same. A server on another continent adds noticeable delay, which matters most for gaming and video calls.

Can a VPN make things faster?

Sometimes. If your provider or network slows down specific kinds of traffic, a VPN hides what kind of traffic it is. That's the exception, not the rule.

How to keep a VPN fast

• Choose the nearest location unless you need a specific country.
• Try another city in the same country if one feels slow.
• Use a modern protocol. Privalune uses IKEv2, which is fast and reconnects quickly when you switch networks.
• Check without the VPN. If your Wi‑Fi is slow on its own, the VPN can't fix that.

How to test it yourself

1. Run a speed test with the VPN off.
2. Connect to the nearest location and run it again.
3. Try one more location and compare.